Integral Assessment and Subtle Mind Exercise

The Integral Assessment and the Subtle Mind exercises were the most beneficial to me. Through the Integral Assessment, I realized that I need to focus more on myself. Taking time out to relax, have me time, or just meditating alone in room are some of the things that this assessment proved that I need to set in place for myself. The Subtle Mind exercise was very calming and relaxing and I was able to not be distracted easily. This exercise helps me train my mind to being calmer and still. Taking time out in the morning to gather my thoughts and relax instead of rushing to do a million different things is one of the goals both of these exercises have encouraged me to accomplish. Regardless of how many tasks are on my to do list, meditating in the middle of the day and relaxing has really helped me. I am more energetic and less stressed of getting things accomplished.

Meeting Aesclepius

This exercise was very relaxing and calming. Although I could not connect with the wise inner being, the exercise allowed me to find inner peace. Meditating has allowed me to remove my busy state of mind into a calmer state. After a session of meditation I feel rejuvenated and refreshed to carry on and complete my day. I would like to continue to meditate while practicing yoga. I enjoy exercising and I believe by combining the two will allow me to foster health and wellness.

The statement, "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself", is a very substantial statement when referring to someone as a health and wellness professional. The ability to see the divine in everyone and treat each individual as though he or she were Christ or the Buddha himself can transform the suffering of illness into the grace of healing (Micozzi, 2005). As a future health coach, I believe I do have an obligation to my clients to develop psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Its very important to have experience what you are teaching or trying to help someone through. After experiencing this, it becomes even more natural to help your clients. I can implement psychological and spiritual growth in my life by always having an open mind to better myself. For example, before taking this course I never thought of myself to use meditation as a way to calm myself. As I have learned more about it and began practicing it, I have learned being open to new ways of bettering myself has become beneficial.

Exercise and Assessment

The Loving Kindness exercise intent was to open your heart towards others feelings and sufferings. The exercise wanted you to have a connection and pray for others sufferings and heartaches to disappear. The Integral Assessment focused more on yourself. It made me think of the parts of my life that needed healing and development. I enjoyed both the exercise and the assessment. I would like to try and focus on spending more alone time with myself. I'm always busy and doing things for my family, I rarely take time out for myself. Just relaxing or meditating will help me be in a more calmer state.

Unit 5 Subtle Mind/Loving Kindness

The subtle mind exercise was very calming and relaxing and I was able to keep my focus on my focal point. If I was distracted or my mind started to wander, I brought myself to focus back to my focal point. This did take some practice but I continued to re-focus. I feel by practicing this exercise daily, it will help me in my mental fitness, and will also start training my mind to be still and calm.

On the other hand, the Loving-Kindness exercise is still difficult for me to practice. Imagining or thinking about a loved one that is ill or hurting does not bring comfort to me. I try to imagine myself taking away their pain and discomfort but in a sense it still doesn't bring me peace and a still mind. While trying to practice this exercise my thoughts and feelings would not shift into something positive.

The connection during the Subtle Mind Exercise was very beneficial mentally and physically. I was able to release some anxiety and stress. My body was able to become less tense and more at ease. This connection with this exercise has allowed me to become more patient and less snappy at stressful situations. I am doing alot more thinking and calming of my mind before I react. I have experienced positive benefits from this exercise.